Mendocino is scenic village just 3 hours drive from San Francisco. We meet at Mendocino Cafe (10451 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA ) on Thursday July 24 at 6PM.
This trip will be cancelled in case when forecast will show >=85F for at least 2 hiking days ( it is very unlikely, but potentially possible). So book accommodations ( hotel or Rent property) with reasonable cancellation options. It will be more convenient to book it in Mendocino, but you can find cheaper options in Fort Bragg . Fort Bragg is just 10 miles ( 15min drive) from Mendocino.
There are multiple state, county, and other parks in vicinity of Mendocino. I picked 3:
- Friday - Mendocino Woodlands: 13 miles, 2300 ft elev. gain
- Saturday - Russian Gulch: 10.5 miles, 1500 ft elev. gain
- Sunday - Van Damme - Pygmy forest 9 miles, 650 ft elev. gain
Friday Hike: We meet at 9am - Observatory Hill and check view from top of this hill. Then our route will be the following: Manly Gulch tr -> Staircase -> Old Jeep tr -> Big Deeper tr -> Steam Donley Ridge tr -> Big Tree tr -> Big River Haul rd ( out and back - enjoy views on Big River and have lunch on river bank) -> Marsh Creek tr -> Forest History tr -> Cookhouse tr -> Big Tree tr back to cars
Saturday Hike: We meet at 9am - Headlands Trail Trailhead and explore ocean and bridge views. Then our route will be the following:
Russian ( interesting why it is Russian...) State park rd -> North tr -> Falls Loop trail ( it is really loop with small waterfall in the beginning, we'll have lunch break in the end) -> Fern Canyon tr -> South tr -> South tr, South Headlands tr ( ocean views) -> back to cars by local roads
Sunday Hike: We meet at 9am Van Damme State Park Visitor Center. There is practically only one route here: Fern Canyon trail with loop in Pygmy forest.
Trip will be limited by 12 people , but I may add extra up to 4 hikers based on hiking points. After getting RSVP you'll have to inform me about your lodge boking . Otherwise I may move you on waiting list and give RSVP other hikers.
